Kelly was a BLAST to work with. Planning sessions outdoors in the South Texas winter can be a tricky affair. Finding juuuuust the right window for sun/warmth in the middle of January is quite the feat.Luckily, Kelly, her sweet husband Charlie, and I got out to the Island and were able to photograph the beauty that is this first time mama. And only one of us is still picking cactus needles out of her behind!

Kelly sent me this sweet little something this morning to share with you all:
"I will admit, I often have unattainable expectations – of myself and others.

Yes, that’s how I’d like to open this gush session about Mae Burke. She didn’t ask me to write this – I just HAD to. What an amazing experience and what a beautiful compilation of baby bump photos to keep forever – and show to my daughter one day.

It’s rare to find someone like Mae to work with. She was a great listener and made the experience about what I wanted, but also took charge where she needed to – helping me chose what to wear before the shoot, pinning my hair back for me as we stood on the beach, requesting accessory/clothing changes as we ran around trying to catch the fleeting sun. She was an ultimate professional – always super responsive by phone, text and email, clearly laying out next steps and expectations and offering secret maternity photo tips and tricks to get the most flattering poses. She has an amazing talent and a distinctive vision – that anyone can see from her work. She is doing what she was meant to in this life.

But the thing about Mae that put her over the edge for me – is her ENERGY. During the shoot her positive energy overflows from her and it is infectious! I actually had fun taking pictures – which never happens! For all of these wonderful attributes squeezed into one tiny person – I am grateful and in absolute awe.

Let’s just say, my unattainable expectations…have been blown away.

Thank you, Mae for making this entire experience even more memorable. xo"

I still get rather nervous when I walk into an expecting mama's home.This is where they are preparing themselves for a new life. One that is needy, has it's own personality, and is everything and nothing you could have ever imagined.
I have to humble myself before walking on such fragile ground - this nest is being held together so gingerly, I mustn't disturb it.

And yet, I can't help but come alive when I see an expecting mother confident in her taught, luminous, ever changing skin.
I can't help but gush behind the lens when they allow themselves to smile genuinely - because despite all of the meltdowns and weak bladders and uncertainty of it all - they are joyful. Even if for the moment.

I visited Houston this week to see a mama I had never met before and knew little about.
But she loved my work, trusted me, and invited me into her home with open arms.

Her little daughter Annie was all smiles. Her husband was home despite a job that keeps him away most of the time. Her mama was there to lend a helping hand.
Jenn, thank you over and over again for allowing me to photograph you just as you are.